A vast majority of people worldwide know black and green tea. However, when it comes to its white variety, they still wonder: "Is white tea actually white?" No, in fact, it does not turn white after brewing. It comes from the same plant as other types of tea - Camellia Sinensis. What actually affects the appearance of the infusion is the processing method. As a result, you can get tea – white, yellow, green, oolong, black, and pu-erh.
White tea is the least processed, which makes it the most natural of all infusion varieties. This process consists of only 2 stages – wilting and drying. As a result, silver-white, fluffy hairs remain on the leaf buds, from which the name comes! Thanks to minimal processing, white tea retains many beneficial compounds present in fresh leaves. It contains, among others, a high concentration of polyphenols, a powerful antioxidant that prevents diseases and strengthens the body's immune system.
What is the history of white tea?
For many years, it was believed that white tea was discovered during the Song Dynasty (920-1269), but mentions of it appear much earlier – in the Tang Dynasty (618-907). During this period, the preparation of the infusion looked completely different from today: tea leaves from early harvests were added to compressed cakes, and broken pieces of the plant were soaked in clay teapots.
Although white tea enjoyed popularity and respect during the Song Dynasty, until recently it was relatively unknown to the rest of the world. The infusion could only be drunk by members of the royal family. Rumor has it that it could only be served to the emperor as a "tribute" by virgins in white gloves, as a symbol of honor and respect.
How to brew white tea?
Brewing white tea differs from preparing green and black varieties of the infusion. It is best to brew it in milder water temperatures, ranging from 79-85°C. In water that is too hot, the tea leaves can overcook and become astringent. To achieve the best taste, we recommend brewing it for only 1-3 minutes.
How much caffeine does white tea contain?
It is commonly believed that white tea contains less caffeine than other varieties. However, some studies conducted in recent years state that it contains more theine than black tea. Regardless of which theory you believe to be true, in our opinion, the short brewing time and minimal processing speak for a low caffeine content.
Basilur white tea collection:
Basilur presents a unique and luxurious collection of white teas, masterfully combined with fruity aromas. Each blend is characterized by an unusual taste, smoothness, and subtlety. They make a perfect gift!